How Long is Considered a Month

Englishteacher1 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-19-2008, 02:54 PM

We have many definitions of a month. A lunar cycle is about 28 days. Some calendar months have 30 days and some have 31. For monthly contact lenses, how long is a "month"?

jessje · #2 (**permalink**) 07-06-2008, 12:33 PM

30 times wearing them, so if you wear them every day it's a 30 day month, if you skip a couple of days you could add that to your month

Raphael · #3 (**permalink**) 11-20-2008, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessje

30 times wearing them, so if you wear them every day it's a 30 day month, if you skip a couple of days you could add that to your month

NO. Monthly contact lenses have an expiry date of +,- 7 days grace for you to change.

The time starts when you first open the lenses from the package. After 30 days, no matter you wear it or not you have to dispose it of.

okoboji · #4 (**permalink**) 12-05-2008, 10:48 AM

Has anyone ever gone past 30 days? What happens, does it damage your eyes?
Thanks.

Englishteacher1 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okoboji

Has anyone ever gone past 30 days? What happens, does it damage your eyes?
Thanks.

If you go past 30 days, there are many things that can go wrong, including an infection from an overused contact lens becoming contaminated. Here's what I found on a website from the University of Iowa:

"Contact Lens Overwear . . . occurs when the contact is worn longer than the cornea can tolerate. Not enough oxygen gets to the cornea resulting in temporary discomfort and blurred vision. The treatment is to discontinue wearing the contact lenses for a few days."

Further on: "Corneal abrasion . . . is a 'scratch' on the surface of the cornea resulting from a poorly-fitting contact lens, foreign material under the contact lens or overwear. The treatments include antibiotics and possible patching of the eye. Infection may result from this condition."

Finally: "Corneal ulcer . . . is the most severe complication of contact lenses and is more often seen with extended wear soft lenses. In this condition, trauma or contamination to the cornea from the contact lens results in an infection. This sometimes requires hospitalization for treatment and can lead to extensive corneal scarring. Corneal transplant surgery may be required to regain good vision. Although very rare, it is possible that a patient could lose an eye from a severe corneal ulcer." http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/med/ophthalmology/contactlens/handlinglenses/complications.html

kyles414 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-08-2009, 02:56 AM

I think one month should compose of thirty days. If I would buy a monthly contact lens, how many times do I have to clean it? Do I have to do it twice a day or every other day? I just want to know some information.

BoSoxFan · #7 (**permalink**) 09-08-2009, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raphael

NO. Monthly contact lenses have an expiry date of +,- 7 days grace for you to change.

The time starts when you first open the lenses from the package. After 30 days, no matter you wear it or not you have to dispose it of.

I've never heard of this "grace period," Raphael. Where did you hear it from?

Englishteacher1 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoSoxFan

I've never heard of this "grace period," Raphael. Where did you hear it from?

Yes, I'd like to know about this, too. I've always heard that monthly contacts can be worn 30 times, but I've also heard that once you open a blister containing a contact lens, that lens will "expire" in 30 days. I don't know who to believe.

Slade · #9 (**permalink**) 12-04-2009, 09:02 PM

What about opening the package containing the contacts lens and then you seldom use it within a month, e.g. 10 or less times use, will it still be useable after the expected usage duration of just throw it away? I happen to ask a friend of mine who wore contacts for five years now and he told me if the contacts is rarely used within a month, an additional extended day can be used. I'm also confused. Can anyone clarify this?

My answer to my question:
Ok, I was browsing through the forum and found out this interesting topic "If You Don't Stop You'll Go Blind" and all the information I needed is there. So to answer my question, Do Not use it beyond the expiry date.

jpeg4 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Englishteacher1

If you go past 30 days, there are many things that can go wrong, including an infection from an overused contact lens becoming contaminated. Here's what I found on a website from the University of Iowa:

"Contact Lens Overwear . . . occurs when the contact is worn longer than the cornea can tolerate. Not enough oxygen gets to the cornea resulting in temporary discomfort and blurred vision. The treatment is to discontinue wearing the contact lenses for a few days."

Further on: "Corneal abrasion . . . is a "scratch" on the surface of the cornea resulting from a poorly-fitting contact lens, foreign material under the contact lens or overwear. The treatments include antibiotics and possible patching of the eye. Infection may result from this condition."

Finally: "Corneal ulcer . . . is the most severe complication of contact lenses and is more often seen with extended wear soft lenses. In this condition, trauma or contamination to the cornea from the contact lens results in an infection. This sometimes requires hospitalization for treatment and can lead to extensive corneal scarring. Corneal transplant surgery may be required to regain good vision. Although very rare, it is possible that a patient could lose an eye from a severe corneal ulcer." http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/med/ophthalmology/contactlens/handlinglenses/complications.html

Wow talk about misquoting... The whole article talked about general contacts complications that can happen to anyone. The first quote talked about wearing a contacts too long but did not saying anything about wearing expired contacts.

The second quote talked about poorly fitted contacts and the last one extended wear of contacts but still nothing about expired contacts.

thecure · #11 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpeg4

Wow talk about misquoting... The whole article talked about general contacts complications that can happen to anyone. The first quote talked about wearing a contacts too long but did not saying anything about wearing expired contacts.

The second quote talked about poorly fitted contacts and the last one extended wear of contacts but still nothing about expired contacts.

Wow, you'd think someone called "Englishteacher1" would know how to quote sources correctly.

I see quotation marks, and I also see ellipses ( . . . ) that indicate some material was left out. Can you fill in the blanks jpeg4, and show us how the original article is different from what was quoted?

Knotlob · #12 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyles414

I think one month should compose of thirty days. If I would buy a monthly contact lens, how many times do I have to clean it? Do I have to do it twice a day or every other day? I just want to know some information.

Personally, I think it should be the number of times you wear the lens, i.e. 30 times. However, I think this may be a moot point amongst eye care professionals and I will try to remember to ask my optician next week for her opinion. She is sensible and practical.

Logically deposit build up, wear and tear on the lens, etc. will be a function of how many times you wear the lens, not how many days there are in a calendar month. However, if you do change the lens at the same date in each month, then you run less risk of wearing the lenses too many times (i.e. more than 31 days).

Proper cleaning and disinfection will take care of the infection risk.

I wear Biofinity monthly lenses and disinfect/clean them every night when I take them out. I use a 2 step peroxide system and neutralise just before I put the lenses back into my eyes (20 mins before or so).

I seldom take my lenses out and then put them back in during the same day. However, I would think it is sensible to clean them before putting them back in the same day. Peroxide systems are going to be difficult, but if you use a Multi Purpose Disinfecting solution, then it's easier.

knotlob

BoSoxFan · #13 (**permalink**) 02-10-2010, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpeg4

Wow talk about misquoting... The whole article talked about general contacts complications that can happen to anyone. The first quote talked about wearing a contacts too long but did not saying anything about wearing expired contacts.

The second quote talked about poorly fitted contacts and the last one extended wear of contacts but still nothing about expired contacts.

I just thought I'd come to Englishteacher's defense a little bit.

The second quote says "Corneal abrasion . . . is a 'scratch' on the surface of the cornea resulting from a poorly-fitting contact lens, foreign material under the contact lens or overwear."

Jpeg4, what is your take on the "30 days" debate? Does it mean 30 days after you break the seal on the package, or 30 times of putting the contacts in and taking them out?

Englishteacher1 · #14 (**permalink**) 02-10-2010, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoSoxFan

I just thought I'd come to Englishteacher's defense a little bit.

The second quote says "Corneal abrasion . . . is a 'scratch' on the surface of the cornea resulting from a poorly-fitting contact lens, foreign material under the contact lens or overwear."

Thanks for your help, BoSoxFan. That was nice of you.

Jpeg4 has a point about the first quote. I suppose "overwear" can mean wearing monthly disposable contact lenses for more than a month before throwing them away, or it can mean wearing a pair for several days without taking them out for cleaning when they need to be.

thecure · #15 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Englishteacher1

Thanks for your help, BoSoxFan. That was nice of you.

Jpeg4 has a point about the first quote. I suppose "overwear" can mean wearing monthly disposable contact lenses for more than a month before throwing them away, or it can mean wearing a pair for several days without taking them out for cleaning when they need to be.

I guess we need to hear from jpeg4 now.

Englishteacher1 · #16 (**permalink**) 04-07-2010, 05:40 PM

I guess it depend on your definition of "over wear."

Jaws · #17 (**permalink**) 04-08-2010, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catt

Wow, how strange is this: I specifically asked my optician how long could I conceivably wear my FreshLook Colors. He said that it's usually good for a two week period; however, what really matters is how long you wear them every day. If only a few hours, then you could possibly wear the same ones for months (and months)!
Insofar as MY lenses go, I just changed to a new pair few days ago and put the old ones in my "Little Contact Graveyard Container" where all the "deceased" ones end up. I had been wearing the first pair for probably 7-8 weeks with absoutely NO problem. Seemed when I put in a new pair, they were not nearly as comfortable. No problem, I can always retreive the old ones from their "resting" place.
Guess the percocet is starting to kick in again. I swear my medically prescribed narcotic analgesic is doing this to me. Together with really long days, and tons and tons of legally required reports and documentations, that have to be submitted NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!. Am slipping badly behind. Need to figure out why I am typing this now instead of something that is fairly important. Oh yeah, I remember -- it must be the Percocet!!!!!!!!!!! I am bad.
Therefore, I am off: To sleep; per chance to dream!!
night all
yawn, scratch, roll-over and meow
catt

Thanks for sharing your trip with us, catt. I was on Vicodin once, and in my experience, it doesn't really dull the pain so much as mellow you out. It hurts, but you don't care.

Thanks for the Shakespeare quote, it makes this website just that much more classy.

Have a nice catt nap.

BoSoxFan · #18 (**permalink**) 04-12-2010, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catt

Insofar as MY lenses go, I just changed to a new pair few days ago and put the old ones in my "Little Contact Graveyard Container" where all the "deceased" ones end up. I had been wearing the first pair for probably 7-8 weeks with absolutely NO problem. Seemed when I put in a new pair, they were not nearly as comfortable. No problem, I can always retrieve the old ones from their "resting" place.

Wait, wait. Are you saying that you keep expired contact lenses in a jar and the though has crossed your mind about wearing them again?

Why you save expired lenses in a jar is your own business, but I would strongly advise against wearing them ever again. "Expired" means they're dead, finished, ruined, right?

Please tell me you're kidding, catt . . .

Englishteacher1 · #19 (**permalink**) 06-04-2010, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoSoxFan

Wait, wait. Are you saying that you keep expired contact lenses in a jar and the though has crossed your mind about wearing them again?

Why you save expired lenses in a jar is your own business, but I would strongly advise against wearing them ever again. "Expired" means they're dead, finished, ruined, right?

Please tell me you're kidding, catt . . .

Nice picture of a jar full of eyeballs, BSF.

packerbacker · #20 (**permalink**) 06-04-2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catt

Am I kidding??? Maybe si, Maybe No!

I think that means she's not kidding, folks.

It's like when you ask your Mom for something and she says "I'll think about it." That usually means "no," right?

Jaws · #21 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catt

Therefore, I am off: To sleep; per chance to dream!!
night all
yawn, scratch, roll-over and meow
catt

I like the mental picture of you yawning and scratching, catt.

John88 · #22 (**permalink**) 12-26-2010, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoSoxFan

I've never heard of this "grace period," Raphael. Where did you hear it from?

Hi,
I want to know the final decision of the period of month, whether is it a calender month or how many times wearing them?

MillersLastChance · #23 (**permalink**) 12-27-2010, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John88

Hi,
I want to know the final decision of the period of month, whether is it a calender month or how many times wearing them?

I've always heard that you throw your monthly contact lenses away after they've been in your eyes 30 times. Whether the time between your first and thirtieth time wearing them is 20 days or 90 or more, it's about the number of times you put them in. If you look around this site, you will find that that's the general consensus.

BoSoxFan · #24 (**permalink**) 12-27-2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MillersLastChance

I've always heard that you throw your monthly contact lenses away after they've been in your eyes 30 times. Whether the time between your first and thirtieth time wearing them is 20 days or 90 or more, it's about the number of times you put them in. If you look around this site, you will find that that's the general consensus.

What if you leave them in for two or three days at a time?

Jaws · #25 (**permalink**) 01-27-2011, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoSoxFan

What if you leave them in for two or three days at a time?

That's a good question, BoSoxFan. I hope someone knows the answer to that question.

ICU2 · #26 (**permalink**) 04-21-2011, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoSoxFan

What if you leave them in for two or three days at a time?

I think the "cumulative time" rule still applies.

Judges?

(Would you believe I found this picture on www.nasa.gov?)

Englishteacher1 · #27 (**permalink**) 07-18-2011, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ICU2

I think the "cumulative time" rule still applies.

Judges?

(Would you believe I found this picture on www.nasa.gov?)

Sure. NASA needs referees too.

MillersLastChance · #28 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaws

I like the mental picture of you yawning and scratching, catt.

She didn't say anything about stretching, though. Cats do that, too.

BoSoxFan · #29 (**permalink**) 10-12-2011, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Englishteacher1

Thanks for your help, BoSoxFan. That was nice of you.

Jpeg4 has a point about the first quote. I suppose "overwear" can mean wearing monthly disposable contact lenses for more than a month before throwing them away, or it can mean wearing a pair for several days without taking them out for cleaning when they need to be.

I'm glad I could make myself useful. You have a point, too, about the different interpretations of the word "overwear."

BoSoxFan · #30 (**permalink**) 10-12-2011, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaws

That's a good question, BoSoxFan. I hope someone knows the answer to that question.

Looks like ICU2 took care of it.

MillersLastChance · #31 (**permalink**) 11-08-2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaws

I like the mental picture of you yawning and scratching, catt.

Don't forget the rolling over part.

Englishteacher1 · #32 (**permalink**) 11-22-2011, 02:57 PM

Aww, look at all the cute cats and referees!

Jaws · #33 (**permalink**) 01-04-2012, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaws

I like the mental picture of you yawning and scratching, catt.

I can just see her stretching her paws out in front of her, yawning wide, and arching her back.

luvbostonxo2's · #34 (**permalink**) 01-04-2012, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by englishteacher1

we have many definitions of a month. A lunar cycle is about 28 days. Some calendar months have 30 days and some have 31. For monthly contact lenses, how long is a "month"?

reallllyyyyy!?!?!?!!?!?

sylvia · #35 (**permalink**) 01-05-2012, 09:28 AM

I have monthly Waicon color lenses and it says right on the box that they are good for 30 uses, even if those uses are spread out over the course of a year-of course if that's the case you should still clean them regularly to preserve them
I imagine that is the case with most monthlies
People seem to get a little anal on these forums....

PTUser · #36 (**permalink**) 01-05-2012, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvbostonxo2's

reallllyyyyy!?!?!?!!?!?

Yes, reallllyyyyy!

That doesn't seem like an unreasonable question to me. Does it seem unreasonable to you, luvbostonxo2's?

luvbostonxo2's · #37 (**permalink**) 01-05-2012, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PTUser

Yes, reallllyyyyy!

That doesn't seem like an unreasonable question to me. Does it seem unreasonable to you, luvbostonxo2's?

it was answered in the second post!!!

How long do u really think MONTHLY lenses can be worn!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!

"what time does the 403 12pm bus arrive at this bus stop"!?!?!?!?"

sylvia · #38 (**permalink**) 01-05-2012, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvbostonxo2's

it was answered in the second post!!!

How long do u really think MONTHLY lenses can be worn!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!

"what time does the 403 12pm bus arrive at this bus stop"!?!?!?!?"

Umm I believe the original poster meant if you only wear them 5 days out of the month are they still good or do you have to chuck them regardless....

lurker2010 · #39 (**permalink**) 01-05-2012, 03:02 PM

The lens doesn't self destruct after 30 wearings. I think the term monthly is to help with compliance. You replace your lens the same day every month. I don't think you add an extra day or two if the month is short nor do you replace them a day early if the month is long. You put a new lens in on 2/1 you replace it on 3/1 and again on 4/1.

HelpMeRhonda · #40 (**permalink**) 01-05-2012, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvia

Umm I believe the original poster meant if you only wear them 5 days out of the month are they still good or do you have to chuck them regardless....

Seems to me that according to calendars and the moon, a month can be 28 days, 30 days or 31 days, and sometimes 29 days. I think Englishteacher1, who started this thread, would like some clarification. Even if it's just to say "it really doesn't matter."

I like your suggestion, lurker2010. Change your monthly lenses on the same day of each month. That's simple and probably effective. I can't say since I don't wear monthly lenses myself, but it sounds like it would work.

Englishteacher1 · #41 (**permalink**) 02-02-2012, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lurker2010

The lens doesn't self destruct after 30 wearings. I think the term monthly is to help with compliance. You replace your lens the same day every month. I don't think you add an extra day or two if the month is short nor do you replace them a day early if the month is long. You put a new lens in on 2/1 you replace it on 3/1 and again on 4/1.

The same day every month. You might even start wearing your lenses on the date of your birthday, so you can just change your lenses on that date. So if your birthday is on the tenth, then change your contacts on the tenth of every month. What do you think?

luvbostonxo2's · #42 (**permalink**) 02-02-2012, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by englishteacher1

the same day every month. You might even start wearing your lenses on the date of your birthday, so you can just change your lenses on that date. So if your birthday is on the tenth, then change your contacts on the tenth of every month. What do you think?

reallllly!?